100 Pounds of Dynamite

I’ve been using one word quite a bit for the last couple of years: “context”. So much of what we seem to do day-to-day really lacks context. We have quick converstations that might be misinterpreted due to lack of context. We get powerpoint presentations chock full of bullets that don’t say much to begin with and are in many cases devoid of context (other than the title page )

We could all use a little more context…

con·text (k?n’t?kst’)
n.

1. The part of a text or statement that surrounds a particular word or passage and determines its meaning.
2. The circumstances in which an event occurs; a setting.

[Middle English, composition, from Latin contextus, from past participle of contexere, to join together : com-, com- + texere, to weave.]

I’ve taken to using the word “reclaim” recently. It seems like such an empowering word.

re·claim (r?-kl?m’)
tr.v., -claimed, -claim·ing, -claims.

1. To bring into or return to a suitable condition for use, as cultivation or habitation: reclaim marshlands; reclaim strip-mined land.
2. To procure (usable substances) from refuse or waste products.
3. To bring back, as from error, to a right or proper course; reform. See synonyms at save1.
4. To tame (a falcon, for example).

[Middle English reclamen, to call back, from Old French reclamer, to entreat, from Latin recl?m?re : re-, re- + cl?m?re, to cry out.]

Former colleague and current friend, James, flew down to Raleigh last weekend. He flew down Friday and back early Sunday morning - both of which seem to be excellent times to travel, due to mostly empty terminals and short lines. A good time was had by all - we got caught up, laughed a lot, randomly fell upon an opportunity to attend a Boston College vs University of North Carolina football game, heckled an episode of Made, ate delicious Ethiopian food and saw the movie Jarhead.

James was amazed at all my innovative household uses for rubber bands

I’ve never been a flosser. I’ve been one heck of a teethbrusher, but flossing has never been my thing… UNTIL NOW! I have one of those suction-cup mirrors in my shower and I’ve recently started flossing while I’m taking a shower. Its really worked out - I love being in the shower and flossing gives me an excuse to stay in there a few mintues longer. A match made in heaven

I’ve taken to only doing “concept” costumes, where the costume is a concept brought to life:

This year I attached some black cardstock to a bent wire hanger frame for this one above where the black bar appears to be floating in front of my face. I’m “that guy on tv who is having his identity protected”